The lynching of railway constable Soumya Ranjan Swain in Bhubaneswar has triggered a wave of criticism directed towards the police, with people from all walks of life blaming the law enforcement agency for inaction. Swain's hands and feet were tied to a pole and he was brutally assaulted to death by angry locals for his alleged attempt to rape a woman in broad daylight in the Balianta area, on the city's outskirts.
Family Demands Accountability
“We demand the suspension of police officers present at the scene as they failed to rescue him. We also demand action against the police commissioner and deputy commissioner of police for mishandling the situation. Senior officers should have anticipated the gravity of the incident and rushed to the spot. They did not respond to the crisis,” said Kabita Swain, Soumya's mother.
His uncle, Bhramarabara Sahoo, echoed similar sentiments. “Videos clearly show police personnel standing as mute spectators while the mob assaulted my nephew. They didn't even call an ambulance. Instead, he was taken to the hospital in a truck. Had he been transported in an ambulance, the basic life support could have saved him,” Sahoo said. The government has also ordered a probe. Revenue minister Suresh Pujari said, “The role of police in the entire incident and allegations of inaction are being investigated by the government.”
Retired Officer Raises Concerns
Retired police officer Prasant Mohanty also questioned the role of the police. “The mob violence could have been prevented had the police acted swiftly. Even though they reached the spot on time, they did little to control the situation,” Mohanty alleged.
Police Deny Allegations
Police, however, dismissed the allegations. “We responded swiftly after receiving the complaint. Prompt action was taken and several suspects have already been arrested,” DCP Jagmohan Meena said.
Sources in the state police headquarters said an internal inquiry is underway to verify the alleged police negligence in the issue. “The DGP is personally reviewing the matter from all angles,” a senior police officer said.
